Not sure I can agree with you on France - in 2010 finished last in their group behind Uruguay, Mexico and South Africa (surely you agree that was an underperformance, with Ribéry, Henry, Gallas, Sagna, and Abidal). In 2006 they finished 2nd in a group with South Korea, Togo, and Switzerland before eventually getting their ass in gear and coming second. In 2002 (Lizarazu, Viera, Henry, Desailly, Zidane, Thuram, Petit, Barthez, Makélélé, and Trezeguet) they yet again finished last in the group stage in a group with Uruguay, Senegal and Denmark.I'd argue that their 2006 squad was their weakest!
English players can be mercenaries AND overrated you know :p